MoDOT waives hay hauling fees to aid farmers during drought

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Transportation is waiving fees for special over width hauling permits to help farmers and ranchers move hay in response to drought conditions affecting much of the state.

The move follows Gov. Mike Kehoe’s drought alert declaration covering all or portions of 85 counties and the City of St. Louis. Farmers can now request permits at no charge through MoDOT’s Carrier Express online system at modot.org/mce by noting the fee waiver in their application.

Normally, fees range from $15 for a single-trip permit to $96 for a blanket permit. The waiver runs through Dec. 1, 2025.

The free permits allow drivers to haul loads up to 12 feet, 6 inches wide with a blanket permit or up to 14 feet wide with a single-trip permit. Hauling will be allowed during holiday periods and at night, provided trucks use reflective oversized-load signage and clearance lights.

Drivers must still follow all safety and permit requirements, including proper signage, lighting and route planning to avoid work zones, bridges and other restricted areas.

More information is available through MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Services office at 1-800-877-8499.